Firearm.



No. 821,890. v PATENTED MAY 29, 1906.

- J. D. RUSS.

FIREARM.

APPLICATION FILED APR.15,1905.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

WIT i555 [NVE/VTOR PATENTED MAY 29 1906.

J. D. RUSS.

FIREARM.

APPLIGATION TILED, APR.15,1905.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

[/VVE/V TOR .msumcmn u c UNiTETD srArEs PATENT OFFICE. JOHN D. RUSS, OF SPENCER, WEST IIIRUINIA, ASSIGNOR OF FIVE- TWELF'IHS TO FREDERICK F. MOINTOSH AND TWO-TWELFTHS TO AUGUSTUS J. LYONS, OF SPENCER, WVEST VIRGINIA.

FIREARM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 29, 1906.

Application filed April 15, 1905. Serial No. 255,756.

To (0Z5 whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN D. RUss, a citizen of the United States, residing at Spencer, in the county of Roane and State of Vest Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Firearms; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to firearms, and more'particularly to single-trigger mechanisms therefor.

In the preferable form of the present invention there are two distinct separatelymounted sear-releasing members actuated by a single finger-trigger piece. The initial searreleasing member is,. by preference, normally in releasing position with reference to one of the hammer-sears. Also in the preferred arrangement of parts the initial sear-releasing member is not actuated directly by the finger-trigger piece, but through the second sear-releasing member, so that the fingertrigger piece at the first pressure of the finger actuates the second sear-releasing member, not for sear release, but to actuate the initial sear-releasing member to release the first hammer-sear and at the second pressure of the finger actuates the second sear-releasing member to release the second hammer-sear. The second sear-releasing member is longitudinally movable in the lock-chamber, triggersetting means being provided for moving the member in one direction to position it in advance of its releasing position and other means being provided to urge it to its releasing position after it has been actuated by the finger-trigger piece to actuate the initial searreleasing member to effect release of the first hammersear. I prefer that this second searreleasing member shall be in the form of a re- Y ciprocatory slide; but I do not limit myself to this particular form, as a variety of longitudi nally-movable devices might be employed;

I shall now refer to two important and peculiarly novel features of the present invention. First, the initial sear-releasing member, in addition to effecting release of the first hammer-sear, serves also as a releasable detent to maintain the second sear-releasing member in advance of its releasing position until after the initial sear-releasing member has effected sear release, and when I speak of ing necessarily in the forward part of the lock-chamber. A second important feature resides in the adjustability of the initial searreleasing member. T his member is shiftable so that it may be caused to occupy releasing position with reference to either of the sears in order to release either first, as desired. The initial sear-releasing member becomes, therefore, a selective releasing member, and it is entirely within the control of the operator to select the hammer first to be released. \Vhen this selective feature is incorporated in the trigger mechanism, it becomes necessary that the second sear-releasing member shall be capable of releasing either of the sears, so that it will always release the sear that has not been previously released by the initial sear-releasing member. For the accomplishment of this end I prefer to make the second searreleasing member a double memberthat is, were it possible for the parts to pass to second releasing position without release of the first hammer the second sear-releasing member would be in position to release both of the sears simultaneously. In this way the second sear-releasing member must always release the sear not released by the initial member. However, it is to be noted that though this is not an essential feature means is provided for preventing the parts assuming the second releasing position in event of the initial releasing member failing to release either of the sears, and thus simultaneous discharge of the barrels is avoided.

The features last discussed may be employed independently of each other, and the selective member particularly may be formed and mounted in a variety of ways. It will be apparent the arrangement of the initial releasing member as a selective member makes the trigger mechanism a purely selective one, it being possible to fire the barrels in the order of right left or left right or, using only the initial releasing member, all rights or all lefts.

All the features discussed will become more perfectly understood from the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which v of the sear-lugs b b.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved trigger mechanism shown for illustrative purposes applied to the stock of the Lefevre gun, the parts being represented in first releasing position. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the trigger-plate and trigger mechanism, showing the parts in the intermediate arrested position. Fig. 3 is a side elevation similar to the last, but showing the parts in the second releasing position. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the trigger-plate and trigger mechanism, indicating the hammers and showing the parts in first. releasing position. The initial releas ing member is represented in full lines in releasing position with reference to the lefthammer sear and in dotted lines with refer ence to the right-hammer sear. Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section on the line 5 5, Fig. 4.

Referring now to the drawings, A A indicate, respectively, the right and left hammers, and B B the corresponding hammersears. As these parts are related in the wellknown manner, it will be unnecessary to go into a detailed description of them. The sears extend longitudinally and parallel at opposite sides of the lock-chamber, being piv oted at the forward end thereof, and an elevation of the rear ends of the sears is required to effect hammer release. The rear free ends of the sears are furnished with inwardly-projeeting lugs I) b substantially in transverse alinement, but somewhat spaced from each other.

C represents the initial sear-releasing member, in the present instance consisting of a lever pivoted at its rear end on a transverse axis 0 to post D and extending longitudinally of the lock-chamber, with its free forward end underlying the rear half, more or less, of one The forward end C of member C is constantly pressed downward out of contact with the hammer-sear by means of a spiral spring (1, located in a horizontal spring-barrel opening through the rear face of post D and bearing against a depending tail C formed on lever C. The forward end 0 of this lever rests upon the upper surface of the second releasing member E, which is adapted to be elevated by the fingertrigger piece F, which passes upward through slot f in the trigger-plate and is pivoted at its upper end in registering slot f in post G, which is fixed to the trigger-plate H. This piece F is provided with a rearwardly-extending wing F, which underlies second releasing member E and on application or pressure to the finger-trigger piece raises the second releasing member, and with the latter the ini tial releasing member 0. In this -manner said initial releasing member is actuated to effect release of the first sear.

In order to make member C a purely selective member, it is mounted for transverse movement so that it may be caused to underlie either of the sear-lugs b b, but not both of them at one time. This transverse shifting is made possible by the fact thatpost D, to which the member is pivoted, is itself pivoted on an upright axis to the trigger-plate. Rotation of post D, and consequent shifting of the member C, is effected by means of a horizontal lever K, fixed on the pivot of the post and lying on the under surface of the trigger-plate. Movement of this lever is readily effected by the finger, and the initial releasing member is held in either releasing position by means of a spiral spring 16, located in the end of the lever and operating to force a pin 7c into slot f at the right of the trigger-plate or depression 1: at the left.

The second sear-releasing member is shown in the form of a reciprocatory slide having on its upper surface a double releasing device in the shape of a transverse ridge or wall E, extending entirely across the slide. it will be recognized that the particular shape of the releasing member is not essential to the broad invention. The member E is given a setting movement, preferably forward of the lock-chamber, to position it with its releasing device in advance of releasing position by means of a flexible band L, which is secured to the member in any suitable manner to prevent accidental displacement, and connects with a screw or pin Z on the under surface of hammer-cocking lever M. The latter is of old construction, and no claim is made to it specifically. As well understood, the hammersare carried on the pivot M of the lever and are cooked by the elevation of the forward end thereof when the gun is broken; It will be obvious that at the same time that the hammers are cooked band L will be drawn forward, and with it the second releasing member E. WVhen in this cocked position, (shown in Fig. 1,) the second releasing mem ber is retained by the initial releasing member C, the tip C of which, urged by spring d, drops behind a rearwardly-faeing shoulder 0, located on the top of the second releasing member in rear of wall E.

Second releasing member E is constantly urged toward the rear by means of a spiral spring 6, located in forwardly-opening horizontal spring-barrel e therein. Thisspring bears against a plunger 6 partly housed in the spring-barrel and bearing at its forward end against the stationary post G, and the result is that the expansive force of the spring constantly tends to force member-E rearward.

The member E is guided in its movements by forwardly-extending arms E E which embrace post G. To one of these arms the rear end of the band L may be secured, and this arm may also be provided with a transverse slot (2 for limiting the movement of the member by cooperation with a pin 9 proj ecting from the side of post G.

The initial releasing member C is simulta- However,

nously actuated to release the first sear and to free the second releasing member E to move rearward by means of the finger-trigger piece F through the elevation of the second releasing member E. Since the second releasing member is loosely pivoted on pin g toward its forward end, while initial releasing member 0 is pivdted near its rear end, the rear end of the member E will contact with the under surface of the memberC in advance of its pivot, and so raise the forward end C thereof out of engagement with shoulder e. The release of member C from the shoulder is timed by the adjustment of screw 0, which passes downward through the member and with which the second releasing member E contacts during elevation.

Preferably I provide means for positively preventing the passage of the second releasing member immediately rearward to the second releasing position, this means being embodied in a second screw 0 passing through initial releasing member 0 in rear of screw 0. This screw is positioned so as to permit the member E to pass just sufficiently to the rear to prevent tip 0 of the member 0 from drop ping again behind shoulder e. This is the intermediate arrested position. (Shownin Fig. 2.) It will be obvious that by properly adjusting this screw the second involuntary pull of the finger will occur before the member E has dropped sufficiently to permit it to pass under the screw. Thus it will be impossible for the involuntary pull to occur at the second releasing position, when the second sear would be released prematurely. When the member E is allowed again to rest upon the trigger-plate, it is forced rearwardly by the expansive force of its actuating-spring until limited by pin 9 engaging the forward end of slot e At this position, which is the second releasing position, (shown in Fig. 3,) thewall E on the upper surface ofthe member E underlies the forward halves of the two sear ends and upon pressure again being applied to the finger-trigger piece, raises the sear end not acted upon by the initial releasing member, and consequently releases the unreleased hammer. During this second vertical movement of the member E screw 0 is received in a recess e formed in the upper side of the member just in advance of its rear en It is important that the forward end C of the initial releasing member shall be so narrow as to make it impossible for it to underlie both sear ends at the same time in whatever position said releasing member may be shifted. It will be apparent, therefore, that un less some provision is made to the contrary this initial releasing member would in event of its having been shifted by mistake to an intermediate position fail to release either sear at the first pull upon the finger-trigger piece,

pass to its releasing position, where it would on the second pull release both of the scars the upper surface of the member E, which is in position to engage with the tip C of the initial releasing member, if the latter is in mid-position, to prevent the member passing rearward even when the latter has resumed its place upon the trigger-plate. This abutment is shown in the form of a narrow upright wall 6, located intermediate the width of the member and extending rearward from wall E to shoulder e and of such height as to preclude possibility of tip C slipping over it.

The operation of the whole device may be reviewed briefly. On the breaking of the gun the hammers are cocked, as will be read ily understood, and at the same time band 11 is drawn forward, carrying with it member E. Initial releasing member C in its function of releasable detent falls behind shoulder e, and the parts are in first releasing position. (Shown in Figs. 1 and 4.) At the first pull upon the finger-trigger piece the initial releasing member releases the first sear, either.

right or left, and simultaneously the second releasing member passes to the intermediate arrested position, (shown in Fig. 2,) where the second involuntary pull on the finger-trigger piece is harmless. As the member E falls to the trigger-plate again it resumes its rear ward travel until it is stopped at second releasing position. Now the next voluntary pull on the finger-trigger piece releases the second hammer. As already indicated, the order of firing maybe controlled by the transverse shifting of the initial releasing member. In case it may be desired to fire all rights or I all lefts the initial releasing member is shifted to the proper side, and the second releasing member is not moved to released position after the actuation of the initial member.

I find it advisable in trigger mechanisms of the class to which the present pertains to provide means for taking the pressure of the hammer-sears off the finger immediately after firing. In the present instance Ihave illustrated suchprovision in lugs or projections B having inclined faces and borne on the forward portions of the sears .in position to be engaged by the hammers during their release movement. As each hammer discharges its barrel it rides across the inclined face of one of the lugs, which is so proportioned that the sear is held up out of engagement with the hammer-releasing member.

What is claimed as new is 1. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of a sear-releasing member normally in releasing position with reference to one of said sears, a releasing member for the other sear unconnectand the second releasing member would then l ed with the other releasing member, setting ITO means for positioning the latter member in advance of releasing position with reference to the corresponding sear, and single means for successively actuating the members to release the sears.

2. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial sear-releasing member, a second sear-releasing member unconnected with said initial member, setting means for moving said second releasing member longitudinally to a point in advance of releasing position, and single means for actuating said releasing members successively to effect sear release.

3. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an initial sear-releasing member arranged to occupy releasing position withreference to one of the scars, a second sear-releasing member unconnected with said initial member, and setting means for disposing said second member in advance of releasing position, said second member being arranged, after release of the first sear by the initial member, to occupy re leasing position with reference to the second sear.

, 4. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an initial releasing member arranged to occupy releasing position with reference to one of the sears, a second releasing member constructed and arranged to actuate said initial member in firing action, and setting means for disposing said second member in advance of releasing position where operable to actuate the initial releasing member to effect release of the first sear, the second releasing member then moving to assume releasing position with reference to the second sear.

5. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an initial releasing member for the first scar, and a second releasing member for the second sear arranged to actuate said initial member in firing action.

6. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an initial releasing member for the first sear, asecond releasing member for the second sear arranged to operatively engage said initial releasing member in firing action, and a single fingertrigger piece arranged to actuate said second releasing member.

7. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an initial releasing member for the first sear, and a second releasing member for the second sear unconnected with said initial member but arranged to actuate said member in firing action.

8. In a single-trigger mechanism, the com bination with the hammer-sears, an initial releasing member for the first sear, and a second releasing member for the second sear arranged to actuate the initial releasing member of setting means for positioning said sec ond releasing member in advance of releasing position, and manual actuating means whereby said second releasing member is released to move toward releasing position and simultaneously actuates the initial releasing member to efiect release of the first sear, said means being then operable to actuate said second releasing member to effect release of the second sear.

9. I11 a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears raisable to release the hammers; of a vertically-movable initial releasing member arranged to underlie one of said sears, a second longitudinallyslidable releasing member underlying said initial member, setting means for moving said second member longitudinally in advance of releasing position beneath the other sear though still beneath the initial releasing member, and manual actuating means arranged to bring about searreleasing elevation of said second releasing member, elevation of said member while advanced operating to raise the initial member into releasing engagement with its sear, the second releasing member then moving to take up releasing position with reference to its sear.

10. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears raisable to release the hammers; of a horizontally-pivoted initial releasing member arranged to underlie one of said sears, a second longitudinally-slidable releasing member underlying said initial member at one side of its pivot, setting means for moving said second member longitudinally in advance of releasing position beneath the other sear though still beneath the initial releasing member, and manual actuating means arranged to bring about sear-releasing elevation of said second releasing member, elevation of said member while advanced operating to raise the initial member into releasing engagement with its sear, the second releasing member then moving to take up releasing position with reference to its sear.

11. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of an ini tial releasing member for the first sear, and a releasing member for the second sear, said initial member being arranged to serve as a detent to retain the other releasing member in advance of releasing position prior to the release of the first sear.

12. In a single-trigger mechanism, the

combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial releasing member for the first sear, a releasing member for the second sear, and setting means for positioning said second releasing member in advance of releasing position, said initial releasing member being arranged to serve as a detent to retain temporarily the second releasing member in such advanced position, and of means for actuat- IIO ' ing said releasing members to effect sear regitudinally in advance of releasing position,

said initial releasing member being arranged to serve as a detent to temporarily retain said slide in such advanced position, and of actuating means for causing said member and slide to effect hammer release successively.

14. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial releasing member for the first sear, a releasing member for the second sear, setting means for positioning said second member in advance of releasing position, said initial member being arranged to serveas a detent for temporarily retaining said second member in such advanced position, and of actuating means for simultaneously removing said initial releasing member from retaining engagement and causing it to effect sear release, said means being afterward operable to actuate the remaining releasing member to effect sear release.

15. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial releasing member for the first sear, a member for releasing the second sear, setting means for positioning said second member in advance of releasing position, said initial releasing member being arranged to be actuated by the second member and to serve as a detent for temporarily retaining said second member in advanced position, and of-means arranged to actuate said second releasing member to disengage the initial releasing member and simultaneously to cause said ini tial member to effect sear release, said means being afterward operable to cause the second releasing member to effect release of the sec ond sear.

16. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial releasing member for the first sear, a releasing member for the second sear, and

setting means for positioning said second re-' leasing member 1n advance of releasing position, said initial releasing member belng ar ranged to serve as a detent to retain temporarily the second releasing member in such advanced position and again to arrest said member before reaching releasing position.

17. In a single -trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of an initial releasing member arranged to occupy releasing position with reference to the first scar, and a longitudinally-movable releasing member for the second sear arranged to have a setting movement in one longitudinal direction to a point in advance of releasing position and a return movement to releasing position, both of said members being raisable to effect initial sear release, and said initial releasing member serving as a detent to retain temporarily the second releasing member in such advanced position and again, during the elevation of the second releasing member for initial sear release, to arrest such member before reaching releasing position.

18. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer -sears of a l'ongitudinally reciprocable slide for releasing one of the sears having a setting movement in one longitudinal direction to a point in ad vance of releasing position and areturn movement into releasing position, and being pro vided on its upper surface with a recess, of an initial releasing member arranged, while said slide is advanced, to occupy releasing position with reference to the other sear, and overlying said slide and serving as a detent to retain the same in advanced position, of means for elevating the releasing members at releasing positions to bring about sear release, elevation at initial releasing position freeing the slide to take up movement toward second releasing position, and of a stop depending from the initial releasing member and arranged, during elevation of the slide for initial release, to arrest the slide before reaching releasing position, said stop during elevation of the slide at secondreleasing position being received in the recess in said slide.

19. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of a selective releasing member movable to effect release of either of the sears as desired, and a second independently mounted releasing member arranged to actuate the selective member in firing action and movable to release the other sear after the operation of the selective member.

20. In a singletrigger mechanism, the combination withthe hammer-sears; of a selective releasing member movable at will to occupy releasing position with reference to either of the sears, and a second independently-mounted releasing member arranged to actuate said selective member in firing action and movable, after release of the first sear by said selective member, to occupy releasing position with reference to the other sear.

21. In a single -trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears of a selective releasing member movable at will to occupy releasing position with reference to either of the sears, a second releasing member movable, after release of the first sear by said selective member, to occupy releasing combination with the hammer-sears; of a selective releasing member located between the sears and transversely shiftable at will to cocupy releasing position with reference to either of the sears but incapable in mid-position of occupying releasing position with reference to either sear, and a second releasing member operable only after the release of the first sear to release the remaining sear.

23. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of a selective releasing member movable to efiect release of either of the sears as desired, and a second releasing member movable to release the other sear after the operation of the selective member, said selective member serving as a detent for retaining the second releasing member in advance of releasing position until after the release of the first sear by said selective member.

24. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of a transversely shiftable selective releasing member movable to effect release of either of the scars as desired, and a longitudinallymovable independently-mounted member arranged to actuate said selective member in firing action and having releasing means for effecting release of the other hammer after the operation of the selective member.

25. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of a transversely shiftable selective releasing member movable to efl'ect release of either of the sears as desired, and a longitudinallymovable member arranged to actuate said selective member in firing action and having means for effecting release of the other sear after the operation of the selective member, said selective member being movable transversely without partaking of the longitudinal travel of the slide.

26. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears; of a transversely-swinging selective member movable to effect release of either of the sears as desired, and a longitudinally-movable mem ber arranged to actuate said selective mem ber in firing action and movable to effect release of the other sear after the operation of the selective member.

27. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears, located at either side of the lock-chamber, raisable to release the hammers; of a selective releasing member mounted intermediate the sears on vertical and horizontal axes so as to be capable of raising either of the sears as desired, and a second releasing member arranged to actuate said selective member in firing ac tion and capable of raising the other sear after the operation of the selective member.

28. In a single-trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears, located at either side of the lock-chamber, raisable to release the hammers; of the trigger-plate, a post intermediate the scars mounted on said plate on a vertical axis, a selective releasing member carried by said post to swing laterally therewith beneath either sear as desired and mounted on a horizontal axis to bring about the elevation of the sears, and a second releasing member capable of raising the other sear after the operation of the selective member.

29. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears, located at either side of the lock-chamber, raisable to release the hammers; of a selective releasing member mounted intermediate the sears and laterally shiftable to occupy releasing position beneath either of them, and a slide positioned below said selective member and having a transverse releasing region arranged to underlie both of said sears at once, said slide being longitudinally movable, after release of one of said sears by the selective member, to carry said ridge to such point beneath both of the scars as to be in position to raise either of the sears not raised by the selective member.

30. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammer-sears disposed longitudinally and raisable to release the hammers; of a releasing member longitudinally movable in one direction 'to a point in advance of releasing position and a return movement into releasing position, and being provided on its upper surface with a transverse releasing ridge of such length as to underlie both of the scars at once and with a transverse shoulder in rear of said ridge having its wall extended upward at the center, of a selective releasing member mounted in termediate the scars and laterally shiftable to occupy releasing position beneath either of them but incapable in mid-position of under lying either of them, said selective member serving as a detent to engage with the shoulder on the longitudinally-movable member to hold the latter in advanced position, and of means for elevating said longitudinallymovable member at such advanced position to cause the selective member to release one of the sears, such elevation also removing the selective member from engagement with said shoulder, but being incapable of raising the selective member free of the shoulder when said member occupies mid-position in rear of the extension of the shoulder.

31. In a single trigger mechanism, the combination with the hammers and the hammer-sears pivoted above the hammers and raisable to release the hammers, with a selective releasing member movable to release either of the hammers as desired, a second releasing member movable to release the other hammer after the operation of the selective member, and manual means for actu- In testimony whereof I affix my signature ating said members; of beveled lugs disposed in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. upon the sears to engage with the backs of the v JOHN D RUSS hammers during firing, whereby each hammer when down maintains its sear sufficiently Witnesses: elevated to escape further engagement with J. F. BRANDENBURG, the corresponding releasing member. E. T. BRANDENBURG. 

